Asean, Japan team up for SME development project

MANILA, Philippines - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the government of Japan have embarked on a project that aims to further encourage businessmen to invest in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by publishing success stories of 19 thriving industries in the region.

A brainchild of Dr. Philip Juico, former Agrarian Reform Secretary and dean of the De La Salle Graduate School of Business which is a leading business school in the Philippines, the project also aims to provide helpful data and information to SME owners, government policy makers and the academe about the industry.

According to Juico, who holds a Master of Business Management degree from the Asian Institute of Management, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from De La Salle University, the project involves conducting case studies, including industry and teaching notes of 19 SMEs in Asia with funding from the Japan-Asean Integration Fund (JAIF).

“It is hoped that these studies will become an invaluable resource for businessmen, SME owners, government, policy makers, and the academe. In addition, the project aims to promote economic integration within the Asean region, support entrepreneurship,” Juico said.

Juico will lead a project management team that will sponsor general meeting and case writing workshop on Sept. 28 at the Linden Suites located in San Miguel Ave. in Pasig City.